Key Highlights
- OKX Ventures commits $53 million to acquire a 19.6% ownership position in Coinone, a South Korean cryptocurrency exchange
- Korea Investment & Securities (KIS) matches the investment with an identical $53 million purchase for the same equity percentage
- Total transaction value reaches 160 billion Korean won (approximately $106 million), subject to regulatory clearance
- CEO Cha Myunghun maintains his position as primary shareholder with 27.8% ownership and retains operational control
- This transaction comes after Samsung’s $408 million investment in Dunamu (Upbit’s parent) and Mirae Asset’s 92% acquisition of Korbit
The investment division of international cryptocurrency platform OKX has finalized an agreement to purchase a 19.6% equity stake in Coinone, a South Korean digital asset exchange, for 80 billion Korean won—approximately $53 million.
Korea Investment & Securities, ranked among South Korea’s premier brokerage firms, is participating with an equivalent investment amount. Following regulatory clearance and deal completion, both entities will share the position as third-largest stakeholders in Coinone.
The aggregate transaction totals 160 billion won, equivalent to approximately $106 million. The investment structure combines purchases of existing shares from current stakeholders with subscriptions to newly created shares.
Cha Myunghun, serving as Coinone’s CEO, will maintain his status as the platform’s principal individual shareholder, controlling a 27.8% stake. Operational authority over the company will remain under his direction. Com2uS Holdings along with associated entities will control 25% of the exchange.
Strategic Rationale Behind OKX’s Korean Market Entry
South Korea ranks among the world’s most vibrant retail cryptocurrency markets. OKX global markets vice president Netero Dai highlighted that the nation’s regulatory structure is “highly respected globally” and characterized the investment as demonstrating the company’s commitment to compliant financial systems.
This move follows Binance’s previous purchase of Gopax, another South Korean exchange. International cryptocurrency companies have been actively seeking strategic positions in the Korean marketplace, driven by sustained domestic appetite for digital currencies.
Coinone holds one of merely five licenses permitting legal cryptocurrency exchange operations in South Korea. This regulatory standing positions it as a compliant gateway for any international entity seeking to access Korean retail investors.
Future Plans Include Stablecoins and Security Token Development
Korea Investment & Securities announced intentions to collaborate with Coinone on security token initiatives and stablecoin products. This timing aligns with South Korean regulators’ ongoing development of comprehensive digital asset legislation known as the Digital Asset Basic Act.
The proposed legislation has experienced implementation delays, with its enactment schedule remaining uncertain. However, major financial institutions are proceeding proactively, establishing positions within the cryptocurrency sector in anticipation of forthcoming regulatory frameworks.
OKX Ventures and Coinone intend to collaborate on best practices for customer protection, security infrastructure, and risk management protocols.
This Coinone transaction represents one element of a significant trend of institutional capital flowing into Korean cryptocurrency businesses. Earlier this week, three Samsung group companies disclosed a $408 million investment in Dunamu, the corporate parent of Upbit (South Korea’s dominant crypto exchange), acquiring a collective 4% ownership.
Mirae Asset, overseeing more than $665 billion in managed assets, revealed in February its plan to purchase a 92% controlling interest in Korbit. Leading financial institutions including KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank have established strategic partnerships with blockchain platforms such as Solana and Avalanche to pilot payment infrastructure utilizing stablecoins and tokenized deposit products.
OKX officially confirmed the transaction on May 29, 2026. This announcement validates earlier media reports from Yonhap News indicating that OKX and KIS were exploring approximately 20% stake purchases in Coinone.
Regulatory approval remains pending before the transaction reaches final completion.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
